Labour smoking ban update as anyone born after this exact date affected
A proposal by the former Tory government to ban young people from ever purchasing tobacco products will be carried forward under the new Labour leadership.
A new Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be introduced in line with the Labour Party’s manifesto commitment to deliver a progressive smoking ban.
Proposed under former prime minister Rishi Sunak, the aim of the legislation is to prevent the next generation ever being able to legally purchase cigarettes.
Read out by King Charles at the State Opening of Parliament today, the bill will also cover other nicotine products often favoured by young people, including flavoured vapes and nicotine pouches.
In a major update to the progress of the legislation, it has been confirmed that the new restriction on the purchase of nicotine products will apply to children born on or after 1 January 2009.
The Tobacco and Vapes bill was included as a key point in the King’s speech given on Wednesday.
Giving the speech in the House of Lords, the King said: “A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes.”
The Bill is set to extend across the whole of the UK, although its application may vary across the devolved nations.
The majority of smokers, roughly 80 percent, start before the age of 20, hence the government’s targeted approach on preventing young people developing nicotine addiction in the first instance.
Don't miss...
King Charles's role at State Opening of Parliament as Labour sets out new agenda [LATEST]
Labour's authoritarian masterplan for Britain to be unleashed in King's Speech [LATEST]
Tax blow confirmed for private schools as VAT slapped on institutions [LATEST]
In addition to the new age restriction, the Labour government is expected to clamp down on the branding and advertising of nicotine products.
The Tobacco and Vapes bill will provide Ministers with powers to regulate flavours, packaging and displays of vapes, nicotine pouches and other similar products.
Trading Standards will act as a key enforcement body to prevent the sale of tobacco and vapes to children born after the date specified.
Authorities in England and Wales will be directed to issue fixed penalty notices for the underage sale of nicotine products.
The government's pledge to toughen smoking laws has been welcomed by organisations who work to tackle some of the health issues often associated with the use of tobacco products.
Cancer Research UK executive director of policy Dr Ian Walker, said: "The government's commitment to introduce new legislation on smoking will have a hugely positive impact on the nation's health."
He added: "By raising the age of sale for tobacco products, the government will help to prevent cancer, relieve pressures on the NHS and build a healthier future."
Research conducted by the charity reports smoking is responsible for 160 cancer cases per day.
